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Munish Sood
Mandi
The esteemed ‘Himachal Darshan Photo Gallery’ in Mandi received accolades from prominent Bollywood figures during the second day of the Devbhoomi International Film Festival 2026. Actors Aditya Srivastava, Rajesh Jais, and Hemant Pandey visited this iconic cultural venue, praising it as a remarkable visual exploration of Himachal Pradesh's heritage.

As they toured the gallery, the actors expressed their admiration for the display, which highlights Himachal's rich cultural traditions, vibrant folk costumes, temple-based dev culture, historical significance, and stunning natural scenery through a vast array of photographs.

Aditya Srivastava described the visit as profoundly moving, stating that the gallery encapsulates 'Himachal under one roof,' providing a comprehensive view of the state's diversity and beauty. He commended the gallery's founder, Birbal Sharma, who is 70 years old, for his dedication, calling it a remarkable testament to passion and cultural preservation. He urged local authorities to support and sustain such heritage initiatives, emphasizing their importance for educating future generations.

Rajesh Jais and Hemant Pandey shared insights from their global travels, noting that despite visiting numerous countries, they had seldom encountered such an extensive and immersive cultural collection. They remarked that the gallery effectively chronicles Himachal's evolution from traditional roots to modern advancements, serving as a unique visual archive of the state's journey.

The actors also highlighted the gallery's potential as a valuable resource for filmmakers, providing visual references for shooting locations throughout Himachal Pradesh. They referred to it as a 'blessing for Mumbai’s film industry,' where directors can easily discover picturesque and culturally significant sites for upcoming projects.

Both actors expressed their admiration for Birbal Sharma's lifelong commitment, suggesting that his work merits broader national recognition for preserving Himachal's intangible cultural heritage in an accessible manner.

Their visit concluded with the film personalities acknowledging the gallery as more than just a collection of photographs; it stands as a living testament to Himachal’s identity, earning a distinguished place in Mandi’s cultural landscape and truly embodying the spirit of ‘Chhoti Kashi.’